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Hi Jonathan,
Subject: Help!
Today I massaged a dachshund who I have worked on before. Today I noticed that her gait was off a bit so I got her on the table. When I was working on her hips she started pulling away so I backed off and began the finishing [PetMassageTM] vectoring. When I got to her hips she turned quickly as though to say “Enough already!”
I’m not sure if I’m doing anything wrong.-S
Hi S,-
You are reading the dachshund right. She obviously knows and trusts you. This breed often snaps first and explains why, later. She gave you a clear message that she cannot tolerate pressure on her hips. That was great. It was great that you understood her. If you cannot work on her hips, you can do the massage sequence on a surrogate (another) part of her body, while visualizing that the hip is responding.
Apply PetMassageTM positional release on the opposite side (contralateral) shoulder and jaw, or same side (ipsilateral) wrist and paw.
These will give you an idea of the Advanced workshop skills. You are now ready for them.
The real lesson here is to realize that the entire body works wholistically. When you stabilize and initiate balance in one area, the balance will soon distribute to the entire system.
Hope this helps.
Jonathan
Full Title: Rhomboid
Author: Donna Cvetinic
Date of Publication: April 8, 2015
PDF: http://petmassage.com/wp-content/uploads/Rhomboid-by-Donna-Cvetinic-2015-04-08.pdf
Research Paper Text:
The Rhomboids are muscles of the neck which assist the movements of the forelegs. They are shaped like a Rhombus/parallelogram, with opposite sides and angles equal.
The Rhomboids are deep muscles which share their origin with the trapezius. The tendons anchor on the lower cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae (withers area) and the nuchal ligament. The Rhomboids insert along the medial dorsal border of the scapula and pulls the scapula against the trunk.
The cervical plexus innervates the muscles of the neck through ventral branches of the cervical and thoracic nerves.
Oxygenated blood leaves the heart through the aorta onto the subclavian artery which supplies blood to the forelimb, neck and cervicothoracic junction. It moves around the cranial border of the first rib and enters the limb via the axilla and becomes the axillary artery.
The Rhomboids act with the trapezius as a stabilizer for the foreleg. They are involved in retraction, abduction and adduction of the foreleg. The Rhomboids are also involved in neck extension.
When these muscles are tight, the dog loses flexibility with restricted foreleg movements, poor coordination and some loss of power. The area around the withers will be sore on palpation, triggering stress points to form in other muscle groups in the neck, shoulders, back and hindquarters.
When you apply pressure to stress points 6, 7, and 8, the dog will lower his neck. Stress points 6, 7 and 8 are felt as tight lines from withers to scapula. If these stress points only react to deeper pressure, then the muscle affected is the rhomboids.
In order to reach the deeper tissues, the overlying muscles must be warmed up using lighter pressure with stroking, moving to deeper pressure with effleurage, then into wringing. If the area is inflamed, you can ice the area with a Dixie cup, which numbs the area allowing you to go deeper without hurting the dog (about 10 lbs of pressure). After deep pressure massage, it is important to use progressively less pressure to remove toxins from the body.
The area of the withers is the skeletal attachment for the rhomboids and trapezius muscles. These muscles are directly involved in the movement of the scapula. Repetitive movement of any gait can cause irritation of the muscle attachment on the withers.
During assessment stroking, if you find muscle tightness or inflammation, warm up the muscle, then use gentle muscle squeezing to assess the inflammation or irritation. Thoroughly drain with plenty of effleurage, knead to loosen muscle fibers and use effleurage again to drain. Apply gentle friction across the length of the fibers starting with moderate pressure and work progressively deeper for about 2 minutes to prevent the formation of stress points. Use effleurage strokes about every 20 seconds to drain the area as you work. Do not overwork the fibers. Finish with light stroking.
Stretches that are beneficial for the rhomboids is the neck extension stretch and the foreleg forward stretch. When stretching, the corresponding agonist muscle must also be stretched. Always stretch when the dog is warm. Stretching decreases motor nerve tension and the dog will relax physically and mentally. It also gives the massage therapist feedback on muscles and ligaments regarding elasticity and tone.
Bibliography
- Canine Massage, 2nd Edition, A Complete Reference Manual – Jean Pierre Hourdebraigt, LMT
- Dog Anatomy – Robert Kainer, DVM, MS, Thomas O McCracken, MS
- Wikivet – Forelimb Anatomy and Physiology
- Planetmath.org
Full Title: Feline Claws
Author: Kelly Graser
Date of Publication: April 8, 2015
PDF: http://petmassage.com/wp-content/uploads/Feline-Claws-by-Kelly-Graser-2015-04-08.pdf
Research Paper Text:
Did you know that the feline claw is not really retractable? It is a common mistake to refer to feline claws this way, as it gives a false impression of the way they really work. It is when a cat is relaxed that the claw is retracted, or sheathed. When the cat voluntarily tightens certain muscles the claws are unsheathed and ready for action. This makes the claws protractile, not retractile. This means they are capable of being lengthened or protruded upon demand. If the claws were retractile, the poor cat would have to keep its muscles tensed all day long. Cats have protractile claws for three main reasons, all related to survival. Climbing, hunting, and defense against predators are what nature intended in the development of the feline claw.
Most cats have 18 digits; five on each forefoot (including the dewclaw) and four on each hind foot. Cats are digitigrades, meaning only the phalanges make contact with the ground when they walk. A cat’s claw grows out of the distal phalanx of each toe. The claw is make of keratin, a very strong protein. When the cat wants to or needs to protract the claw, the digital flexor tendon becomes taut, forcing the claw to unsheathe. The blood vessels and nerves that supply the cat’s claws are located in the quick, the pink stripe observable at the base of light colored claws. The muscle responsible for protraction of the claw is the deep digital flexor. It is innervated by the median or ulnar nerve. It originates from the medial epicondyle of the humerus and inserts at the palmar distal phalanges.
Another misconception about cats and their claws is that they “sharpen their claws”. The correct term is stropping and it is a natural and necessary behavior. When the cat appears to be scratching, it is actually removing the old, worn-out claw sheaths, which then reveal new pin-sharp claws underneath. The claw grows in layers and after a period of time the outer layer must be shed. Stropping only applies to the forelegs. Cats use their teeth on their hind legs to chew off the old outer casings. A second reason for stropping is to exercise and strengthen the muscles used for claw protraction. A third function of stropping is scent-marking. The cat has scent glands located under the front paws and when the paw is rubbed vigorously against fabric it releases the cat’s pheromones onto the fabric. Lastly, cats scratch objects to calm themselves down and ease anxiety.
Have you ever wondered why cats knead? Kneading is the motion cats make by rhythmically alternating their paws, pushing in and out against a blanket or lap. Some cats protract their claws during kneading and some even use all four paws. It is a common behavior and may be accompanied by purring. There are several theories to explain kneading. Cats start to knead as kittens when they are nursing to help stimulate the mother’s milk production. As adults, cats may continue because they forever associate the motion with the rewarding comfort of nursing. If your cat is kneading your lap while you’re petting him, he may simply be returning your affection. Also, the simple action of kneading can provide exercise and stretching for the muscles in the legs, back, shoulders, and paws. Lastly, this natural instinct may have been “passed on” to domestic cats from their wild ancestors, who used kneading to compress tall grass and leaves for sleeping or giving birth.
It should now be apparent that cats do not possess those sharp talons solely to destroy furniture. The unique function of protractile claws allows cats to climb, hunt, defend themselves, remove old claw sheaths, exercise, and mark their territory. By learning about the physical claw, reasons for scratching, and the impact the toes and claws have on mobility, we can understand the actions of felines and provide safe and proper scratching options.
Resources
- Petmd.com, Why do Cats Knead? February 24, 2014
- Vetstreet.com , What’s the Deal with…Retractable claws? By Colleen Oakley, June 27, 2012
- Pawsonline.info, Feline Claws
- Cat-talk-101.com, Cat Claws
Full Title: Canine Ear
Author: Claudia Larson
Date of Publication: April 8, 2015
PDF: http://petmassage.com/wp-content/uploads/Canine-Ear-by-Claudia-Larson-2015-04-08.pdf
Research Paper Text:
Providing an ear massage to your dog is a way to help your dog bond with you and at the same time, check the dog’s health. Gently rub around the base of the dog’s ear (pinna). “Hold the base of the ear with one hand, take the earflap between the fingers and thumb of the other hand and run in a circular fashion – from the base of the ear to its tip.” 6
This provides an opportunity to see if your dog’s ears are pink and odorless or have a black discharge and smelly. Check with your veterinarian if you question the condition of the ear.
The information below with help you to learn about the various diseases your dog could encounter and what can be done to correct them. First, some descriptions of the ear structure.
The canine ear is made up of three sections:
- The external ear consists of the pinna or ear flap, what we commonly thing of as the dog’s ear.
- The vertical ear canal connects the outer ear to the horizontal ear.
- The horizontal ear canal connects the vertical ear canal to the middle ear.
The function of the ear canal is to connect the outer ear to the middle and inner ears so that sound can be transmitted to the brain.
This structure, both vertical and horizontal ear canal, together are a “J” shaped structure.
“The horizontal ear canal is lined by specialized skin approximately 1mm thick, rich is sebaceous glands, associated with hair follicles (oily secretions) and cerumen producing glands, which secrete a mixture of degenerating epithelial cells in a fatty [lipid] base and are deeper into the skin”. “cerumen resists moisture and thus, under normal conditions functions to keep the ear canals relatively dry.” 1
Causes of Otitis Externa:
Ear moisture promotes bacteria growth. In dogs with floppy ears, this moisture build-up will be greater, so more attention should be paid to this possibility. “Staphylococcus intermedius, Mircrococcus species and occasionally coliforms are the most common bacteria isolated from normqal ears. The yeast Malassezia canis is another common inhabitant of normal canine ears which, given the correct circumstance, can overgrow. Sources of moisture include environmental humidity, frequent baths, and swimming.” 3
“Ear mites are tiny parasites that live out their life cycle inside the ear canal. They are quite common and can cause severe irritation and itchiness of the ears.” The most common ear mite of cats and dogs is Otodectes cynotis, and therefore an infestation with ear Mites is sometimes called otodectic mange.
Ear mites primarily live in the ear canal, where they feed on skin debris. Their presence causes in-flammation, and can also lead to secondary ear infection. While ear mites are generally found in the ears, they can also wander out onto the body, causing irritation and itchiness of the skin as well. Eggs are laid in the ear canal and take about three weeks to hatch.
Some allergic diseases, such as inhalant allergic diseases, food allergy and flea allergy can affect ear canal. About half of all dogs with atopic dermatitis develop ititis externa. This can be complicated by bacterial or yeast infections.
“Endocrine-related otitis is often accompanied by seborrhea in the dog, and the presence of a waxy Secretion frequently contributes to otitis. Hypothryoidism is the most common endocrine cause of Chronic otitis externa, others include Sertoli cell tumors and ovarian imbalances.” 4
Lesions are often found in the ear canal and can be caused by immune system diseases, such as systemic and discoid lupus erthymatosus, perphigus foliaceous and pemphigus erthamotosus.
Anal sac disease, fever and the canine distemper virus can also cause otitis externa.Ulceration of the canal skin can occur with chronic otitis externa. The ear canal can narrow and become obliterated by bond tissue.
Symptoms of Otitis Externa:
Dogs who constantly “paw” their ears, shake their heads, or have ear odors, should be checked for ear disease. A brown or yellow discharge may occur within the canal and/or pinna. This may indicate ear mites or bacteria.
The skin lining the ear canal thickens and the other layer may ulcerate if the condition becomes chronic.
Skin lesions and mange may appear on other body areas also as a result of these bacteria and skin mites.
Checking the Dog’s Ears:
Pull up the ear flap if dog has floppy ears. The edges of the ear may be torn due to excessive scratching. A hemotoma (blood collection) between skin and hair or even torn cartilage may be apparent. Swelling may be evident or the dog may howl with pain.
Treatment:
A simple ear cleaning may be all that is necessary. Check with your vet for proper ear cleaning solution for the situation. Use a dilute peroxide or vinegar will suffice in many cases. Don’t damage the dog’s ears with excessive cleaning. For most dogs with prick ears, once a month is enough.
Have ready an ear wash solution and cotton balls. You may need tweezers to pluck hair From the ear if there is excessive hair. Q tips may be uswed if you use only on the edge of the ear. Never put the tip down the ear canal. Squeeze the solution into the ear canal, just a few millimeters. Don’t force the tip of the bottle into the canal. It could rupture the ear drum. The dog will shake it head immediately to shake out some solution. At the base of the ear, massage the wash solution throughout the canal. Use a cotton ball to remove the discharge from the ear.
If the dog’s ear has excessive wax or build-up, the medication may not work as well. Consult your vet for advice.
Some vets prefer homeopathic methods and products such as acupuncture. Acupuncture of the pinna treats infections and conditions of the entire body. Acupuncture is also used to treat ear conditions and diseases vs use of antibiotic and other “medicines”.
Mite Removal:
Remove mites and discharge by cleaning the ear thoroughly. “One method to restrain the dog is to place him/her on a table. Stand on the side of the table opposite to the ear you are medicating. …Drape your right arm over the dog’s shoulders. Wrap your left arm around the head and neck and use the finger tips of the left hand to push the ear flap back and up to expose the inner surface of the ear. If the dog tries to stand, lean your upper body over his/her shoulders to prevent him/her from rising.
“If your dog is too wiggly, try laying him/her on his/her side. Reach over his/her neck with your left arm and firmly grasp the elbow of the leg closest to the table. Always hold the leg close to the elbow, NOT close to the toes. Keep your elbow on his/her neck to prevent him/her from picking up his/her head. Use fingers of your right hand to pull back the ear flap to expose the inner side of the ear. If the ear flaps are long, you can tuck the ear flap under your left elbow. Holding the medication bottle in your right hand, place the prescribed number of drops of medication into the ear.” 5 Use an over-the-counter medication or one prescribed by the veterinarian.
The life cycle of a mite is three weeks so treatments should extend through the three week period. For monthly treatment, follow the vet’s recommended schedule of dosing for ear mites.
Surgery can be used for unresponsive and chronic situations as well as tissue or tumors Obstructing the ear canal.
Bacteria infections are treated with antibiotics.
Topical antifungal solutions are prescribed for yeast infections.
Surgery:
“Lateral ear canal resection, in which the outside wall of the vertical canal is excised and a permanent opening is created, improving drainage of the horizontal canal and overall canal ventilation. Vertical ear ablation, involves removing the entire vertical ear canal and reclosing the skin, leaving a small drainage hole at the opening of the horizontal ear canal. Finally, total ear canal ablation removes both the horizontal and vertical ear canals, and recloses the skin. These surgical procedures may also be employed for tumor removal. These surgeries provide ease of cleaning and treatment of the ear only. There may be Underlying causes of otitis at other locations in the body which have to be treated.
Injectible Ivermectyin can also be used. All pets in the home should be treated at the Same time, even if they show no symptoms.
(THIS INFORMATION IS NOT TO BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR VETERINARY CARE.)
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
- Newman, Robert, DVM, Newmanveterinary.com/Ears. Pg 2, Internet. Accessed 6-11-2014.
- Kainer, Robert A. DVM, MS and McCracken, Thomas O., MS, Dog Anatomy, A Coloring Atlas, Plate 44, Teton New Media, 2003. Priest, Sandra A., DVM, All About Ears, Understanding heath and disease of the canine ear. AKC Gazette, February, 1992, PP66-73. Internet, accessed 6-11-14. Ear Mites, Signs, Diagnosis and Treatment of Ear Mites, Lianne McLeon, DVM,
- About.com. Accessed 6-11-2014. www.vetmed,wsi.edu/client/dog_ears.aspz. Accessed 6-112014.
- Kidd, Randy, DVM, PhD, The Whole Dog Journal, “Structure of the Canine Ear,” http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/7_10/Canine-Ear_15661-1.html.
- Brooks, Wendy C., DVM, DipABVP, Lateral Ear Resection, The Pet Health Library, http://veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx. Accessed 6-11-014.
- The Bark, Amazing Facts About a Dog’s Ears, http:/the bark.com/content/ Amazing-facts-about-dogs-ears., Accessed 6-1-2014.
Full Title: CAnine Dog Reproductive Information and Process
Author: Mandy Armitage
Date of Publication: April 6, 2015
PDF: http://petmassage.com/wp-content/uploads/Canine-Dog-Reproductive-Information-and-Process-by-Mandy-Armitage-2015-04-06.pdf
Research Paper Text:
Testis
The developing testes start off in the abdomen. They develop from somatic mesenchymal cells in the genital ridge found caudal to the developing kidneys, around the tenth thoracic vertebra. The testes migrate caudally and retroperitoneal towards the inguinal canal and scrotum. Descent of the testes starts during the last part of pregnancy and first several days after birth. Usually at about 4 to 5 weeks of age they come through the inguinal ring and entered the scrotum. The testes are a paired organ that is oval or walnut shaped that are fixed in a sack. 4 Each testis is suspended by a fold of peritoneum, the mesorchium, and enclosed by it continuation, the vaginal tunic. Inside there is dense fibrous connective tissue internally projecting septula to support the testis. The pouch of skin, smooth muscle, and fascia make up the scrotum. There is a muscle in the scrotum along with the spermatic cord that assist in regulating the temperature of the testicles by raising and lowering them from the body wall. 5
Anatomy of the reproductive tract:
The reproductive tract of a male consists of: The bladder, distensible membranous sac. The Prostate, is an essential part of the male reproductive system, Right and left lobes of the glad enclose the prostatic part of the urethra. 5 Its job is secreting a liquid that works to balance out and protect the seminal fluid and aiding in its motility and survival. The Urethralis Muscle encircles the caudal urethra. The Bulbocavernosus Muscle, a muscle of the perineum, the area between the anus and the genitals. Crura, two tapering process that connect to the ischia process. Penis, contains Bulbous Gland, Glans of the Penis and inside has the balculum (penis bone). The Vas Deferens moves the sperm and the blood is supplies by its own artery. 1
Process of Erection:
Parasympathetic effect 3 — arterial vasodilation and venous constriction; inflow to penis exceeds outflow and blood accumulates in penis; pressure increases within fibroblastic capsules of erectile bodies; pressure mechanically compresses internal veins to further impede outflow; contraction of the penis pumps blood in against the increasing pressure; — the dorsal vein of penis expands pressure within glans; following insertion, the superficially located dorsal veins of penis, which drain the glans, are mechanically constricted. In the dog, the bulbous glands expand following insertion and this explains the “tie” during copulation. 2 A tie can last anywhere from 5 to 60 minutes. The male does not get erect until after insertion, the bone (baculum) makes insertion possible.
Ejaculation:
Dympathetic pathway — Sperm cells develop in the seminiferous tubeles. During Ejaculation each deferent duct propels spermatozoa and epididymal fluid to the urethra. The mass of sperm cells and epididymal fluid is moved by muscular contraction of the diferent ducts and ischiocavernouse muscles, into the prostatic urethra. It passes straight through ducts and mature under the influence of secretions from the cells lining the duct. It continues up the spermatic cord and terminates by the opening into the prostatic part of the pelvic urethra. This mass is moved toward the external urethal opening, Once the tie is complete the arterial flow returns to normal and muscles relax, permitting the veins to open fully. The two penile retractor muscles contract, assisting the return of the penile glans into the prepuce. 5
References:
Inserted photo is a hairless Chinese Crested at 18 months old.
- Veterinary Gross Anatomy by Thomas F. Fletcher, DVM, PhD & Christina E. Clarkson, DVM, PhD
- www.WikiVet.com
- www.petmd.com
- www.wikipedia.com
- Dog Anatomy by Robert A Kainer, DVM, MS & Thomas O McCracken, MS
Music to your ears.
Background music for your massage.
The music you choose plays an important part of creating the ambient mood you want for your massage. Play music that you like; but not music you know well and would want to follow. The music needs to stay in the background, allowing you to focus solely on your dog. The music that was commissioned for last year’s PetMassageTM for Dogs Day Celebration works perfectly.
Play this original PetMassage music from the site or download the music for FREE.
http://petmassage.com/?page_id=140
Compliments of PetMassageTM.
Enjoy.
Private Canine massage sessions in Toledo Ohio
Of course PetMassageTM, the school, offers How-to books and DVDs for training dog owners to massage their dogs at home. http://petmassage.com/?page_id=992PetMassageTM, the school offers hands-on training workshops for people who what to learn to offer canine massage professionally. http://petmassage.com/?page_id=70
You knew that.
Last week you were reminded that we have terrific programs for children. Kids can learn to massage dogs independently, with their scout troops, after school and at summer camp.
We even reduced the price on the book Dog KidsPetMassageTM, For a limited time it will be only $12.50. http://petmassage.com/?product=dogs-kids-petmassage
Jonathan, the founder of PetMassage offers private canine massage sessions.
You may not have known that Jonathan also offers canine massage -the PetMassageTM version-to his private clients. Clients have travelled to the PetMassage school in Toledo, Ohio from all over the Midwest and the northeastern US. They’ve come from Maine, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and West Virginia. Clients make a point of stopping by the PetMassageTM clinic as they travel cross county with their dogs. So, snow birds going to and coming from Florida include Toledo as part of their itinerary. Many clients have travelled to Toledo, Ohio from other parts of Ohio, as well. The word about Jonathan’s work is spreading. He’s been his clients little secret for too long, It is time to let everyone know he is in Toledo, Ohio and he is accepting new clients.
Does your dog need a massage? Silly question. Of course s/he does.
Preview the PetMassageTM school
Some people are curious about what the PetMassage version of canine massage looks like. Perhaps you are one of the people doing their due diligence in choosing which school to get your canine massage training. Schedule your dog for a private session and watch the master do his magic.
Private Canine massage session in Toledo Ohio
Earlier this week a beautiful little cattle dog named Jess was brought in for a session. Jess had a remarkable experience as described in the article Post canine massage protocol. Her pet parents found Jonathan by Google-ing “pet massage Toledo, OH” They live in a small village west of the city, called Delta. Human parents are invited to observe the session. You can just make out her dad’s foot in the photo.
Every dog will benefit with canine massage, especially Jonathan’s private PetMassageTM.http://petmassage.com/?page_id=194
If you would like to schedule a private with Jonathan for your dog, email or call. info@petmassage.com 800-779-1001